The acting challenge is even more difficult than I expected. I've never done particularly well at school plays-I've always got only minor roles if anything. This is why, even though I'm in the same group as Saeha and Seoyoung, who're said to have potential in acting, I don't feel confident.

On the other hand, I think Mari will be one of the favorites. According to her profile, she's a Drama major at her university. She's very competitive and will make sure Daha and Hyanggi, who have to work with her, will follow her by the book.

Speaking of the others, Saesong has to work with Hyewon, another contestant who's said to be very good at acting, while the other favorites, Boyeon and Daneung, are paired together.

Unlike the other times, where he'd bore us with long and extremely tedious explanations, Seungsik is a lot more concise. "You'll be assigned a scene from a drama to act out. There's a twist, of course. The mentors will give you one particular item, vibe, style or emotion to incorporate in your performances," he says. Then, he just resorts to wishing us good luck.

Dohee, being the best mentor, steps up and adds useful information. "You'll have three hours to rehearse. We'll give you your script based on the assigned scene, as well as a flashcard. It contains what you'll have to include in your performance to make it wow. Give your all—expectations are high this time." He's right. We can't afford to make stupid mistakes, especially on my part.

I quickly find a secluded spot where to practice without being spied on by the other groups. Seoyoung suggests reading the script first. Saeha and I quickly agree, after which we split parts among us and start learning them by heart.

I occasionally throw quick glances at the other groups, only to be redirected to the main focus. Seoyoung warns me. "Don't look at them. What matters is our performance. You're in a precarious position, so don't get distracted." She's right. I'm third last in the general ranking. If I want to climb up, I have to give my 100% and more.

Saeha then picks up the flashcard and reads it in a tone low enough for just the three of us to understand. 'Incorporate some subtle drama.' Ours is meant to be a comedic scene. How to add a sprinkle of drama without making everything sound forced and unnatural?

An idea flashes in my mind. "What if we try to build something around the protagonist's family background? It's not mentioned here, which means we can improvise." Seoyoung, though skeptical at first, accepts the idea. Saeha embraces it from the very beginning, offering to launch the first line of the improvised part.

"Seunghee, will you promise you won't tell anyone else what I'm going to share with you? It's a matter of death or life." Saeha's line is strong yet delicate, naturally flowing with the script our group was assigned.

Seoyoung goes next, being the one who acts as 'Seunghee.' "Don't leave me hanging, Jinhee. I'm all ears." In the mean time, I write down the improvised lines so that we don't forget them.

It's my turn to do my part. My character is 'Sunmi,' who's close to 'Jinhee' but struggles to get along with 'Seunghee.' I have to close the improvised section in a way that it flows to the remainder of the script like a river.

I don't even realize I have an amazing idea on the spot as I just blurt out a few words. 'Your secrets are mine, whatever it takes. Don't be afraid. Open your heart. Hold our hands. Let tears pour down your face. Is anyone trying to build walls to keep you away? Well, break those walls!' I've uttered the line in such a low tone that not even Saeha has heard me.

When she asks me to repeat, Seoyoung harshly tells her off. "Next time, pay closer attention!"

I have to defuse what could be an explosive argument. "Girls, please, let's not fight, okay? Shall we continue? It's your turn, Seoyoung unnie." The others apologize to each other, after which our rehearsal ends on a smooth note.

A siren blares in the backstage, which means that it's time for us to return to the studio.

***

Seungsik stands at the center of the stage, not seeming to want to move. He wants the limelight for himself, which is understandable as he's the host of this show; however, it's time for us contestants to shine. He takes his time to slide to the far right of the studio, annoying Saesong and Boyeon, who are both impatient to start acting.

"Okay. The judging can start. Hyewon, Saesong, you're up first." The two of them have been tasked with turning a sageuk, a historical drama, into a science fiction masterpiece. This is extremely hard because there's such a thin line between reinvention and distortion of the plot.

The result divides the panel. While Dohee and Kang Sara like it, praising the originality of Saesong's skit and appreciating how Hyewon thought outside the box with her interpretation, Songbin and Jang Seokgi are far more critical, with the latter calling it 'caricatural' and completely deviating from the spirit of the challenge.

Daneung and Boyeon are next. They had to turn a dark thriller into a lighthearted romance. Given their expertise in dark stuff (and clear preference for it), they don't seem to impress the panel, earning a scathing comment from Sara. "You looked like you played pretend, while you were supposed to act. Remember that there's a difference between them."

Daneung is furious. Her poor performance could cost her the top rank, but she directs her negative energy at Boyeon, who in turn points the finger at her for failing to listen to her point of view.

Their blame game continues for a few more minutes, but it's no longer my business. I have to get on stage with Seoyoung and Saeha. We deliver our lines neatly, leaving some room for further improvisation. One line by Saeha shocks the judges. Even Seokgi, who's the most uptight panelist, bursts into laughter.

Mission accomplished, I think. Fingers crossed, and let's hope the audience also appreciates.

Mari closes the round along with Hyanggi and Daha. They had to work with a musical drama and turn into a mystery scene. They play on Daha's passion for thriller and detective movies in a manner the judges deem brilliant. Dohee also seems to like the touch of noir Mari added to her improvised part.

Now, the most annoying part. Seungsik talking again. "And... that's it! The live voting is closed, and the panel will take some more time for final considerations. Stay hanging for a few more minutes before the verdict!" Commercial break. Or, in other words, mayhem.

Everybody sings the praise of Mari. Deservedly. However, Hyanggi and Daha have also done really well. When I try to point that out to the group, Daneung shuts me up cold. "Mind your business, Saerom. Your performance was laughable at best."

What? Is she serious? "First of all, my name is Saesom, and I thought you've already learned it by today. Secondly, what does my performance have to do with the three of them? I'm just saying that everyone should get their due credit." I can hear several of them applaude me, even Mari in person.

So, why the fuck is Daneung acting unreasonably? To add insult to injury, Hyewon and Boyeon don't try to call her out over her unhinged behavior, they enable it! I really hope that viper gets the minimum score so that she gets humbled a little bit.